Stand with Trevor in His Battle with GBS

Help Trevor McGahey overcome his battle with Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS).

My brother Trevor was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome on 3 June. GBS is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis. In its most serious form, GBS is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Trevor first noticed weakness and tingling in the hands and feet. He called in sick to work because he was experiencing difficulty with eye muscles and vision, difficulty swallowing, speaking, and chewing, pricking or pins and needles in the hands and feet, severe pain in his lower back particularly at night, coordination problems and unsteadiness. The intensity increased and eventually motor function in his legs and arms was severely limited. He visited the Maine Health Emergency Department four times before finally being admitted because he was experiencing facial paralysis.

There's no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Several treatment options can ease symptoms and help speed recovery but it may take six months to a year before he can resume activities of daily living.

Trevor has been transferred to the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland where he will begin his treatment to regain strength, and receive assistance working with a physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist. Recovery can be slow. He is unable to walk without a walker, and must use a wheelchair at times due to his mobility impairments. Some people do not recover completely and experience long-term weakness, numbness, fatigue, or pain.

The total cost to treat GBS is between $6,200 - $16,500 per patient with about 96% of cost associated with hospitalization.

We are asking for your donation to help my brother cover his medical costs and loss of income due to hospitalization and recovery. Let Trevor know he is not alone in this journey. Our love surrounds him.

Funds will be used as follows: $5,000 will be used for medical costs and $5,000 will cover three months rent, utilities, phone and insurance.